What is the Perksapply.com Scam?
An ad on Instagram or TikTok promised you can get up to $750 in Costco shopping credit just by signing up as a product reviewer through Perksapply.com — and you want to know if that’s real before you enter your details. It isn’t. Read this fully, and the guide at the bottom covers what to do if you’ve already interacted with the site.
Perksapply.com is a lead-generation and affiliate marketing funnel with no credible connection to Costco at all, despite borrowing Costco-style colors and branding. Investigators found the site was previously operating under a different name, Samples500.com, before rebranding due to negative reviews — a common tactic among recurring scam funnels that resurface once one domain gets too much bad press. Security scanners give the domain extremely low trust scores, with one rating it just 1 out of 100 and flagging a young domain (registered only weeks before being reviewed) alongside multiple blacklist detections.
Perksapply.com Short Overview
| Type | Fake reward and lead-generation scam impersonating a Costco member rewards program. Promises up to $750 in shopping credit in exchange for personal data and completed third-party offers, with no real payout. |
| Symptoms | An ad on Instagram or TikTok promising a large Costco gift card for minimal effort. Costco-style branding with no link to Costco’s official site. “Limited spots” urgency messaging and fake recent-earnings pop-ups. Redirects to surveys, loan questionnaires, or trial offers before any reward appears. Increased spam or recurring charges after submitting contact or payment details. |
| Removal Time | Approximately 15 minutes for a full-system scan |
| Removal Tool | See If Your System Has Been Affected by malware
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How Did I Find Perksapply.com?
Perksapply.com depends entirely on paid promotion to reach victims. Here is how the funnel typically unfolds:
- Social media ads and “secret hack” videos — The scam is primarily promoted through Instagram and TikTok videos claiming to reveal a secret way to get a high-value Costco gift card, framed to get the click before anyone questions whether the offer makes sense.
- Borrowed brand trust on arrival — Costco-style colors, logo-like branding, and polished design create the illusion of an official connection, even though the platform has no real affiliation with Costco or any recognized company.
- Manufactured urgency and fake activity — Phrases like “Limited spots” and pop-ups claiming other users “just got paid” are used to rush visitors into acting before they evaluate the offer critically.
- A multi-step reward funnel — Progress indicators such as “Step 2 of 3 completed” keep users invested even as the requirements to unlock the reward keep changing.
What Does Perksapply.com Do?
The real business model is monetizing the visitor, not rewarding them. Here is exactly what happens:
- Collects personal data before any “reward” — Before the promised gift card appears, users are asked for name, email, phone number, and address, all of which feed directly into the operators’ marketing pipeline.
- Routes through offer walls disguised as verification — One documented path redirects users to a separate survey site, glitchy.go2cards.org, then through a loan-related questionnaire — each completed step generates an affiliate commission for the operators regardless of whether any reward is ever delivered.
- Buries marketing consent in fine print — Clicking through commonly includes agreeing to email marketing, mandatory arbitration terms, and a privacy policy most visitors never read, opening the door to a flood of spam afterward.
- Leads to spam, robocalls, and subscription charges — Reports consistently describe a sharp increase in spam emails and robocalls after submitting information, and in cases involving payment data, unexpected recurring subscription charges.
The reward never arrives no matter how many offers are completed — the entire structure is designed around extracting personal data and affiliate revenue, not paying anyone out.
What Should You Do?
Do not complete any more offers, forms, or verification steps, and close the page immediately. If you already submitted your email or phone number, expect an increase in spam and be cautious with any follow-up message referencing prizes or surveys, since these often come from the same network. If you entered payment information for any “free trial” offer connected to the funnel, check your statements closely for unexpected subscription charges and contact your card issuer to dispute and block further billing. Report the site to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov and to the platform where you saw the original ad. Follow the complete guide below this article to scan your device for any trackers that may have been picked up along the way.
Ventsislav Krastev
Ventsislav is a cybersecurity expert at SensorsTechForum since 2015. He has been researching, covering, helping victims with the latest malware infections plus testing and reviewing software and the newest tech developments. Having graduated Marketing as well, Ventsislav also has passion for learning new shifts and innovations in cybersecurity that become game changers. After studying Value Chain Management, Network Administration and Computer Administration of System Applications, he found his true calling within the cybersecrurity industry and is a strong believer in the education of every user towards online safety and security.
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- Windows
- Mac OS X
- Google Chrome
- Mozilla Firefox
- Microsoft Edge
- Safari
- Internet Explorer
- Stop Push Pop-ups
How to Remove Perksapply.com from Windows.
Step 1: Scan for Perksapply.com with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Step 2: Boot Your PC In Safe Mode
Step 3: Uninstall Perksapply.com and related software from Windows
Uninstall Steps for Windows 11
Uninstall Steps for Windows 10 and Older Versions
Here is a method in few easy steps that should be able to uninstall most programs. No matter if you are using Windows 10, 8, 7, Vista or XP, those steps will get the job done. Dragging the program or its folder to the recycle bin can be a very bad decision. If you do that, bits and pieces of the program are left behind, and that can lead to unstable work of your PC, errors with the file type associations and other unpleasant activities. The proper way to get a program off your computer is to Uninstall it. To do that:
Follow the instructions above and you will successfully uninstall most programs.
Step 4: Clean Any registries, Created by Perksapply.com on Your PC.
The usually targeted registries of Windows machines are the following:
- HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
- HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
- HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\RunOnce
- HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\RunOnce
You can access them by opening the Windows registry editor and deleting any values, created by Perksapply.com there. This can happen by following the steps underneath:
Tip: To find a virus-created value, you can right-click on it and click "Modify" to see which file it is set to run. If this is the virus file location, remove the value.
Video Removal Guide for Perksapply.com (Windows).
Get rid of Perksapply.com from Mac OS X.
Step 1: Uninstall Perksapply.com and remove related files and objects
Your Mac will then show you a list of items that start automatically when you log in. Look for any suspicious apps identical or similar to Perksapply.com. Check the app you want to stop from running automatically and then select on the Minus (“-“) icon to hide it.
- Go to Finder.
- In the search bar type the name of the app that you want to remove.
- Above the search bar change the two drop down menus to “System Files” and “Are Included” so that you can see all of the files associated with the application you want to remove. Bear in mind that some of the files may not be related to the app so be very careful which files you delete.
- If all of the files are related, hold the ⌘+A buttons to select them and then drive them to “Trash”.
In case you cannot remove Perksapply.com via Step 1 above:
In case you cannot find the virus files and objects in your Applications or other places we have shown above, you can manually look for them in the Libraries of your Mac. But before doing this, please read the disclaimer below:
You can repeat the same procedure with the following other Library directories:
→ ~/Library/LaunchAgents
/Library/LaunchDaemons
Tip: ~ is there on purpose, because it leads to more LaunchAgents.
Step 2: Scan for and remove Perksapply.com files from your Mac
When you are facing problems on your Mac as a result of unwanted scripts and programs such as Perksapply.com, the recommended way of eliminating the threat is by using an anti-malware program. SpyHunter for Mac offers advanced security features along with other modules that will improve your Mac’s security and protect it in the future.
Video Removal Guide for Perksapply.com (Mac)
Remove Perksapply.com from Google Chrome.
Step 1: Start Google Chrome and open the drop menu
Step 2: Move the cursor over "Tools" and then from the extended menu choose "Extensions"
Step 3: From the opened "Extensions" menu locate the unwanted extension and click on its "Remove" button.
Step 4: After the extension is removed, restart Google Chrome by closing it from the red "X" button at the top right corner and start it again.
Erase Perksapply.com from Mozilla Firefox.
Step 1: Start Mozilla Firefox. Open the menu window:
Step 2: Select the "Add-ons" icon from the menu.
Step 3: Select the unwanted extension and click "Remove"
Step 4: After the extension is removed, restart Mozilla Firefox by closing it from the red "X" button at the top right corner and start it again.
Uninstall Perksapply.com from Microsoft Edge.
Step 1: Start Edge browser.
Step 2: Open the drop menu by clicking on the icon at the top right corner.
Step 3: From the drop menu select "Extensions".
Step 4: Choose the suspected malicious extension you want to remove and then click on the gear icon.
Step 5: Remove the malicious extension by scrolling down and then clicking on Uninstall.
Remove Perksapply.com from Safari
Step 1: Start the Safari app.
Step 2: After hovering your mouse cursor to the top of the screen, click on the Safari text to open its drop down menu.
Step 3: From the menu, click on "Preferences".
Step 4: After that, select the 'Extensions' Tab.
Step 5: Click once on the extension you want to remove.
Step 6: Click 'Uninstall'.
A pop-up window will appear asking for confirmation to uninstall the extension. Select 'Uninstall' again, and the Perksapply.com will be removed.
Eliminate Perksapply.com from Internet Explorer.
Step 1: Start Internet Explorer.
Step 2: Click on the gear icon labeled 'Tools' to open the drop menu and select 'Manage Add-ons'
Step 3: In the 'Manage Add-ons' window.
Step 4: Select the extension you want to remove and then click 'Disable'. A pop-up window will appear to inform you that you are about to disable the selected extension, and some more add-ons might be disabled as well. Leave all the boxes checked, and click 'Disable'.
Step 5: After the unwanted extension has been removed, restart Internet Explorer by closing it from the red 'X' button located at the top right corner and start it again.
Remove Push Notifications from Your Browsers
Turn Off Push Notifications from Google Chrome
To disable any Push Notices from Google Chrome browser, please follow the steps below:
Step 1: Go to Settings in Chrome.
Step 2: In Settings, select “Advanced Settings”:
Step 3: Click “Content Settings”:
Step 4: Open “Notifications”:
Step 5: Click the three dots and choose Block, Edit or Remove options:
Remove Push Notifications on Firefox
Step 1: Go to Firefox Options.
Step 2: Go to “Settings”, type “notifications” in the search bar and click "Settings":
Step 3: Click “Remove” on any site you wish notifications gone and click “Save Changes”
Stop Push Notifications on Opera
Step 1: In Opera, press ALT+P to go to Settings.
Step 2: In Setting search, type “Content” to go to Content Settings.
Step 3: Open Notifications:
Step 4: Do the same as you did with Google Chrome (explained below):
Eliminate Push Notifications on Safari
Step 1: Open Safari Preferences.
Step 2: Choose the domain from where you like push pop-ups gone and change to "Deny" from "Allow".
Perksapply.com-FAQ
What Is Perksapply.com?
The Perksapply.com threat is adware or browser redirect virus.
It may slow your computer down significantly and display advertisements. The main idea is for your information to likely get stolen or more ads to appear on your device.
The creators of such unwanted apps work with pay-per-click schemes to get your computer to visit risky or different types of websites that may generate them funds. This is why they do not even care what types of websites show up on the ads. This makes their unwanted software indirectly risky for your OS.
What Are the Symptoms of Perksapply.com?
There are several symptoms to look for when this particular threat and also unwanted apps in general are active:
Symptom #1: Your computer may become slow and have poor performance in general.
Symptom #2: You have toolbars, add-ons or extensions on your web browsers that you don't remember adding.
Symptom #3: You see all types of ads, like ad-supported search results, pop-ups and redirects to randomly appear.
Symptom #4: You see installed apps on your Mac running automatically and you do not remember installing them.
Symptom #5: You see suspicious processes running in your Task Manager.
If you see one or more of those symptoms, then security experts recommend that you check your computer for viruses.
What Types of Unwanted Programs Are There?
According to most malware researchers and cyber-security experts, the threats that can currently affect your device can be rogue antivirus software, adware, browser hijackers, clickers, fake optimizers and any forms of PUPs.
What to Do If I Have a "virus" like Perksapply.com?
With few simple actions. First and foremost, it is imperative that you follow these steps:
Step 1: Find a safe computer and connect it to another network, not the one that your Mac was infected in.
Step 2: Change all of your passwords, starting from your email passwords.
Step 3: Enable two-factor authentication for protection of your important accounts.
Step 4: Call your bank to change your credit card details (secret code, etc.) if you have saved your credit card for online shopping or have done online activities with your card.
Step 5: Make sure to call your ISP (Internet provider or carrier) and ask them to change your IP address.
Step 6: Change your Wi-Fi password.
Step 7: (Optional): Make sure to scan all of the devices connected to your network for viruses and repeat these steps for them if they are affected.
Step 8: Install anti-malware software with real-time protection on every device you have.
Step 9: Try not to download software from sites you know nothing about and stay away from low-reputation websites in general.
If you follow these recommendations, your network and all devices will become significantly more secure against any threats or information invasive software and be virus free and protected in the future too.
How Does Perksapply.com Work?
Once installed, Perksapply.com can collect data using trackers. This data is about your web browsing habits, such as the websites you visit and the search terms you use. It is then used to target you with ads or to sell your information to third parties.
Perksapply.com can also download other malicious software onto your computer, such as viruses and spyware, which can be used to steal your personal information and show risky ads, that may redirect to virus sites or scams.
Is Perksapply.com Malware?
The truth is that PUPs (adware, browser hijackers) are not viruses, but may be just as dangerous since they may show you and redirect you to malware websites and scam pages.
Many security experts classify potentially unwanted programs as malware. This is because of the unwanted effects that PUPs can cause, such as displaying intrusive ads and collecting user data without the user’s knowledge or consent.
About the Perksapply.com Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this Perksapply.com how-to removal guide included, is the outcome of extensive research, hard work and our team’s devotion to help you remove the specific, adware-related problem, and restore your browser and computer system.
How did we conduct the research on Perksapply.com?
Please note that our research is based on independent investigation. We are in contact with independent security researchers, thanks to which we receive daily updates on the latest malware, adware, and browser hijacker definitions.
Furthermore, the research behind the Perksapply.com threat is backed with VirusTotal.
To better understand this online threat, please refer to the following articles which provide knowledgeable details.